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At PDFelement, we believe data security is of the utmost importance. With the recent introduction of GDPR regulations, certain departments are finding the right tools and methods for familiarizing themselves with data security. In today’s post, we’ll discuss what GDPR means to HR professionals, and how PDFelement can help.
One primary challenge that HR departments face is the issue of keeping sensitive personal information completely secure and confidential. This need for data security is what has lead to the introduction of a law like GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation.
The Idea behind GDPR
Legislation has failed to keep up with the tremendous speed at which big data and technology has advanced, specifically when it comes to gathering, storing, and protecting data. Therefore, GDPR has been designed for enhancing data protection as well as the right to privacy for EU citizens, thus giving them more control over personal data and the way it is used.
Meaning of GDPR for HR
GDPR is a summarization of those legal requirements that need to be met by a company handling the personal data of EU citizens, including the personal data of employees. Companies that fail to fulfill these regulations and are found misusing the personal information will have to pay some very hefty fines.
HR teams require consent
Consent is an important part of the foundation of the new legislation, and GDPR explicitly states that companies can make use of the personal data only for the purpose it was given for. So, for HR teams, employees must opt-in to allow the employer to use personal data and they should be informed, in detail, how their data will be used. This can be done as an option the candidate checks off on a PDF form and digitally signs using a program like PDFelement, to make their consent explicit and legally binding.
This means HR teams must be transparent regarding the data being collected, the purpose for which it is being collected, and the way it will be used. One simple way to clarify this is by handing out a privacy statement that all employees sign. Again, using programs like PDFelement, you can easily create and share privacy statements in PDF format. After that, as part of the HR team, you can only use the data for the given purpose outlined in the statement. If you want to make use of the data for a different purpose, then you need to get written permission separately.
Data rights for employees
GDPR also extends the rights of those individuals whose data is being used or processed. Such individuals are referred to as data subjects, and the extension of rights has enhanced their entitlement to have their data corrected. In fact, they also have the right to restrict or object to data processing although such rights are commonly not raised in an employment context.
Right to be forgotten
GDPR also states that employees have the right to be forgotten and they can withdraw their content which means that HR teams must think about what withdrawal of consent means for the system. For instance, are their procedures put in place for deleting employee data? Or, how can you ensure that you are getting rid of every last trace of information stored in your system? Is your entire team completely aware of the importance of complying with GDPR? All these things must be taken into consideration when devising your data-driven HR strategy.
Conclusion
Data privacy is becoming an increasingly important issue, and failure to comply with the GDPR requirements will only lead to trouble which is why it is important to ensure that HR teams fully understand GDPR.
What PDFelement Can Do
PDFelement has many features available that help in the process of protecting sensitive and confidential information of employees and candidates. Permission restrictions, redaction tools, watermarks, and digital signatures ensure that the data you are collecting or sharing is fully protected against any sort of unauthorized breach.
What are your thoughts on GDPR for HR teams? Let us know in the comments!

Give yourself a competitive edge over other applicants with a great looking resume that appears the same, no matter what device you’re viewing it on.
As most of us are aware, when you’re trying to land your dream job, you need a resume that will make you stand out above the crowd. One of the best ways to do this is by sending out your resume in PDF format. By using PDF, you can make your job application pop by ensuring the formatting looks flawless across the board.
After all, your resume is the very first glimpse your future employer will have of you. When the interviewer is impressed with your resume, they are more likely to remember you and associate something good with your name. Skills and experience aside, your first impression will make or break you, and a great looking resume will facilitate that first interaction.
Below are just a few of the benefits you can get from sending out your resume in PDF format.
1. First impressions are important: Retain formatting So it always looks professional
You spend a lot of time working on your resume to ensure that it turns out just right. And a big part of this is ensuring that the format looks professional and visually appealing. Especially for certain industries. Perhaps the job involves design, or analytics, in which case it can be a good idea to show off your graphics skills. You may even want to include infographics that can show your information visually in a way that is well organized and easier to read. This shows employers that you are familiar with multimedia design and can give you an edge over other applicants.
2. Anyone Can Easily Review It
PDF is one of the most widely used formats within the business world. It’s likely the hiring manager is extremely familiar with the format, and has used it to create and review many other types of documents. In fact, recruiters often package your resume and other details into one PDF package to send to clients. Plus, PDFs can be opened by many different types of programs, including web browsers and PDF readers. This makes it just as easy for the hiring manager to deal with as Microsoft Word, if not even more so.
3. You can still make edits if you need to with the right tools
A lot of people create their resumes in Microsoft Word because they want to be able to easily edit it throughout every step of the process. It’s often the view that once a document has been converted to PDF, it’s next to impossible to make edits to it after that. But this isn’t the case. There are many PDF editors on the market like PDFelement that let you easily make simple edits to your PDF file – and often for free! For instance, PDFelement has a free trial that lets you edit PDFs exactly like you would a Word doc – edit text, change font, change formatting, etc. – you can do it all.
4. Ensure your Resume Can’t Be Edited by Others
Designing your own resume from scratch can be a very time consuming process. Especially when you are applying for multiple jobs. You want to make sure that once you have it just right, no one else can make changes to it. This can be easily accomplished using a PDF editor like PDFelement, which lets you set password restrictions so that only those who know the password can edit or print the document. This ensures that no one tampers with your information, and that you are presented in the best light possible.
5. Convert your PDF Resume to Other Formats if Required
Sometimes, a recruiter or hiring manager may ask for your resume in a particular format. Using a PDF reader or editor, you can easily convert your PDF resume to other Office file formats in just the click of a button. From there, it’s ready to be sent on its way, so that the hiring manager receives it quickly and easily, and in the format they desire!
As you can see, with the right PDF editing tool, it’s easy to create your resume in PDF format so that you make the right impression from the get go. Let your potential new colleagues see the best version of you – consider sending out that next resume in PDF format!
Do you agree that PDF is the best resume format? Leave a comment below!